The biggest FIFA World Cup ever, with a record 48 teams set to play a record 104 matches spread out across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, is fast approaching.The three host nations automatically qualified for the field. Defending champion Argentina is back, and four nations — Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan — will make their World Cup debuts.Here’s what to know about the World Cup:— All teams are guaranteed three matches in the group stage of the tournament. Teams have been assigned to 12 different four-team groups. The top two teams from each group are guaranteed to advance, as will the eight best third-place teams. Teams finishing fourth in groups are eliminated.— The 32 surviving teams after the group stage will enter a single-elimination tournament, with one exception: The teams that lose in the semifinals will advance to a third place match the day before the World Cup final.— Group stage: Atlanta; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Arlington, Texas; Guadalajara, Mexico; Houston; Kansas City; Inglewood, California; Mexico City; Miami Gardens, Florida; Monterrey, Mexico; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Philadelphia; Santa Clara, California; Seattle; Toronto; and Vancouver.— Round of 32: Foxborough, East Rutherford, Inglewood, Toronto, Santa Clara, Seattle, Houston, Arlington, Mexico City, Atlanta, Miami Gardens, Vancouver, Kansas City.— Round of 16: Vancouver, Atlanta, Mexico City, East Rutherford, Seattle, Arlington, Houston, Philadelphia.— Quarterfinals: Foxborough, Inglewood, Miami Gardens, Kansas City.— Semifinals: Atlanta, Arlington.— Third place match: Miami Gardens.— World Cup final: East Rutherford.— Group stage: June 11-June 27— Round of 32: June 28-July 3— Round of 16: July 4-7— Quarterfinals: July 9-11— Semifinals: July 14 and 15— Third-place match: July 18— World Cup final: July 19Which teams are in which group, with current FIFA ranking in parentheses:— Group A: Mexico (15), South Korea (25), Czechia (41), South Africa (60).— Group B: Switzerland (19), Canada (30), Qatar (55), Bosnia and Herzegovina (65).— Group …
